The International Cricket Council (ICC) has addressed the controversy surrounding the denial of accreditation to over a hundred Bangladeshi journalists for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. This decision effectively bars media representatives from Bangladesh from covering matches in either host nation.

The ICC's statement, delivered through an unnamed official to NDTV, attributes the decision to concerns raised by the Bangladeshi government regarding the safety of traveling to India amidst the current political climate. According to the official, the accreditations and visas were withheld because "the government kept saying it is unsafe to come to India".

This explanation comes after widespread condemnation of the ICC's action, with many viewing it as a retaliatory measure following Bangladesh's refusal to send its cricket team to India for the World Cup. Citing security concerns, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had insisted on playing their matches in a neutral country, such as Sri Lanka, a request that was ultimately denied by the ICC. Consequently, Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland in the tournament.

The BCB Media Committee Chairman, Amzad Hossain, confirmed that approximately 130 to 150 Bangladeshi journalists had applied for accreditation, none of whom were approved. "As far as I know, all Bangladeshi journalists were rejected," Hossain stated.

Adding to the confusion, some journalists reported receiving initial approval emails on January 20 and 21, including visa support letters, only to have their accreditations revoked later. Mir Farid, a photojournalist, shared his experience of receiving an approval email from the ICC media department on January 20, followed by a rejection email shortly after.

The decision has sparked outrage within the Bangladeshi media community. Arifur Rahman Babu, a senior journalist and president of the Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA), expressed surprise and condemnation, emphasizing that Bangladeshi journalists have regularly covered ICC events since the country's involvement in World Cups began in 1999. He noted that even when a team isn't participating, journalists from ICC Associate Member nations can still receive accreditation. Babu, who covered the 1996 ICC World Cup co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, stated that he would consult with relevant bodies regarding the matter.

The ICC's explanation attempts to address concerns about press freedom and impartiality, but the situation remains tense. The denial of accreditation has further strained the relationship between the ICC and Bangladesh, raising questions about the future of their collaboration. The incident also highlights the complex interplay between sports, politics, and security concerns in international events.